Staying active can keep your cognitive skills sharp

Aging gracefully has as much to do with your mind as with your body. And, as worn out as you may feel after a long jog, physical activity is beneficial for both, especially as the years go on.

As people age, the portion of the brain responsible for memory creation and other cognitive functions, inevitably starts to shrink. This can lead to occasional bouts of memory loss and an increasing difficulty with general problem-solving. However, NPR reports that movement may actually counteract this process.

"With aerobic exercise, a moderate amount on a regular basis – there are chemical changes that occur in the brain that promote the growth of new neurons in [this part of the brain]." Brown University researcher Peter Snyder told the source, citing several research conducted in recent years.

One such study was published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, a scientific journal, last year. The research revealed that, over the course of a year, a group of people between 60 and 80 years old who spent a lot of time on the couch benefited significantly from working a simple exercise regimen – walking around a track three times a week – into their routines.

Using MRI machines, scientists from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign discovered that the hippocampus of each participant reportedly grew in this time. In addition, the subjects took tests that showed their memory had improved.

However, even if you are well aware of the benefits of regular exercise, you may not have the energy to stay active, especially if you suffer from a hormone deficiency. Longevity Centres of America can provide hormone replacement for men and women who are struggling to regain their lust for life because of faltering hormone levels.